RETROSPECT Vinyl & CDs

Review: The 11th release on German label Retrospect keeps things direct and danceable, filtering retro references through a crisp contemporary lens. The A-side's '9Teen' offers a warped, electro-leaning house cut with driving drums and a hypnotic loop sensibility-funky and functional without overreaching. On the flip, 'Let It Play' leans into acid-flecked warmth, layering nostalgic synths over a bumping, classic groove. The 'Dub Take' pares things down, stretching the textures into a moodier, more restrained version fit for later in the night. As with previous instalments from this vinyl-only series, the focus here is on reshaping the 70s, 80s and 90s-less pastiche, more pressure. No frills, no fuss, just solid tools for selectors.

Review: Constant Black is one of the numerous labels in UK artist Burnski's orbit. He's been a man on form on all fronts in recent years and here he snaps up Retrospect for a trio of super slick and funky minimal house cuts. 'Ay-up!' is a cheeky opener with subtle northern welcomes hidden in the mix as the lithe bass and 2-step tinged drums do their thang. It's reet good. 'Schneebly' gets more pacey and balmy, with silky and oily bass and kinetic drum work all underpinned by a sick bass tone. Last of all comes '4 U' which has something of an upright garage skip and downright irresistible groove. These are high functioning, charismatic cuts to pump up any floor.

Review: Swung Selections is back with a second volume of club ready tech house bangers. There is a great blend of retro nostalgia and fresh and forward-facing sound designs across the four-track selection. Soulfreq's 'Holiday Break' begins with twisted old shock bass and slapping hits. Retrospect then keeps it smooth with the nice cool tech bubbler 'Pickled Moose,' No Results Found wigs out the floor with the wriggling synth madness and electro rhythms of 'Tackle Maestro' then Harrison BDP shuts down with the thumping house of 'Buggin Out.'